PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi district administration has fully swung into action to ensure that the upcoming Char Dham Yatra is smooth and safe. With this objective in view, the district magistrate, Prashant Arya conducted a field inspection of the major pilgrimage routes, halts and facilities concerning Yamunotri Dham on Thursday. During the inspection, he declared that the safety, convenience and health of pilgrims are the administration’s top priority.
According to the district officials, the DM reviewed preparations related to the condition of the pilgrimage routes, pedestrian paths, road safety, passenger amenities, health services, drinking water, electricity supply, sanitation, traffic management, parking, accommodation and disaster management.
During the inspection, officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Public Works Department (PWD), Water Resources Department (Water Resources Department) and Electricity Department were instructed to ensure uninterrupted services along the pilgrimage route. The DM also directed that sensitive locations along the pedestrian route be identified and adequate security measures be taken, hot water be provided for horses and mules and cleanliness be maintained at the halts.
The Health department was instructed to ensure the deployment of medical relief posts, ambulances, essential medicines and medical staff along the pilgrimage route and major stops. The UPCL was asked to ensure the provision of streetlights, poles, and uninterrupted power supply in Sayanachatti, Ranachatti, Hanuman Chatti, Janakichatti and the shrine complex.
To permanently resolve the waterlogging problem in Paligar market, the executive engineer, NH, was instructed to complete the ongoing concrete work before March-end and remove illegal encroachments. He was asked to prepare an alternative patch road before the repair work on the Ojri bridge to ensure smooth traffic flow. Instructions were also given to expedite landslide treatment work, including in the Dabarkot landslide zone and to systematically utilise the dumping zone.
The NH and Electricity departments were directed to coordinate and expedite the shifting of utility poles obstructing road widening in Ranachatti.
Reviewing the district Panchayat’s preparations, he directed them to ensure better arrangements for toilets and sanitation.
